Tuesday, November 27, 2012

Preparing for the lion cubs' first vet exam

Posted by: Rebecca Whitham, Communications

Lion cubs at three weeks old. Photo by Ryan Hawk/Woodland Park Zoo.

Lion momma Adia continues to do a great job behind the scenes caring for her four little cubs who turn three weeks old this Thursday. Adia is a conscientious groomer, which is a lot of work with four kitties on your hands (err, paws).

The cubs are two weeks old in this video. Video by Ryan Hawk/Woodland Park Zoo.

Later this week we’ll attempt the first veterinary check-up on the cubs to get a better assessment of their overall health and growth progress.

Three weeks old. Photo by Ryan Hawk/Woodland Park Zoo.

Keepers have been giving Adia the option to shift into her outdoor exhibit and away from the cubs for a few minutes a day, which helps to normalize the routine for her. That way when it is time for the vet check-up, Adia will be comfortable with shifting outside, allowing us brief access to the cubs for a lightning fast exam.